Job done at the Vale?
Robert Moore • Published 31 Jan 2012 10:00
AN AMBITIOUS blueprint to transform health services has almost become reality.
Last week the watchdog group set up to oversee implementation of the changes - the Vale Monitoring Group - formally asked Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon to agree their work is done and approve that the body be wound-up.
The group was first established in November 2009 to oversee the development and delivery of the "Vision for the Vale" which included, the introduction of a consultant-led, GP supported model for unscheduled medical care, the survival of the Vale's Minor Injuries Unit, a new medical centre on the site, and a move towards a more community-based mental health service delivery.
Last week members of the group were told at a meeting in Dumbarton that all the various aspects of the Vision were now either in place or at the final stages of approval as in the case of the new Alexandria Health and Care Centre.
However, it was also agreed that the decision by the Cabinet Secretary to approve the permanent relocation of adult in-patient mental health beds from Christie ward to Gartnavel Royal Hospital "brought the substantive work of the Monitoring Group to a natural conclusion".
Group Chairman Bill Brackenridge praised the hard work and commitment from lay members and officers and acknowledged the huge amount of data produced by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to enable the Monitoring Group to fulfil its role.
He added: "The Vision for the Vale provided a blueprint for better health services in the area. A great deal of work has gone in to making sure that the blueprint has been delivered - and the Monitoring Group has played a key part in overseeing that process. I would like to thank everybody concerned for their time and effort."
This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 01 Feb 12
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